History Main / AdaptiveArmor

* The title armor system in ''Anime/SenkiZesshouSymphogear'' varies in appearance by a combination of the user and the fragment of LostTechnology used to make it and can evolve further with time (read: roughly once per season). Standard features include a MorphWeapon based on the relic's original form, the ability to grow weapons at will (a PowerFist, missile arrays, buzzsaw skirt, etc.), and the occasional super mode.

* By Film/AvengersInfinityWar Tony Stark's nano-armor as advanced to this point. As evidenced by the climax of Film/AvengersEndgame when [[spoiler: he uses it to assemble a substitute Infinity Gauntlet on the fly.]]

* By AvengersInfinityWar Tony Stark's nano-armor as advanced to this point. As evidenced by the climax of AvengersEndgame when [[spoiler: he uses it to assemble a substitute Infinity Gauntlet on the fly.]]

The adaptability doesn't stop there, either. The armor likely has a greater or lesser chance of giving the wearer a [[SwissArmyWeapon Swiss Army Arsenal]], [[AdaptiveAbility resistance via exposure]] to enemy attacks or [[AcquiredPoisonImmunity environmental hazards]], and a HealingFactor courtesy of {{Nanomachines}}, {{Power Crystal}}s or [[TheSymbiote biological symbiont]]. Sometimes these powers act like a SwissArmySuperpower that become "set" as the wearer needs them, until the armor stops being able to "adapt". The armor itself is likely to have a [[VoiceWithAnInternetConnection mind of its own]], if not at least a [[EmpathicWeapon personality]] that makes its moods known to the wearer. In these cases, the mind can usually activate the armor's HeroicSafeMode to protect the user in case of accident, unconsciousness or MindControl. Mind the TranquilFury with no regard to friend and foe.

* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'': The Berserker Armor that Guts wears. Besides the fact that the helmet shape changes form according to the wearer's [[AnimalMotif inner beast]] (in Guts's case, the dog-like beast), it increases the wearer's endurance and power, but at the cost of allowing the wearer to surpass their physical limit by making their subconscious unaware of physical injuries (though while wearing the armor, massive wounds can be temporarily healed - but this is done by the armor piercing splinters through the skin). Oh, and it also causes temporary insanity by making the wearer go [[TheBerserker berserk]], and is insinuated that [[DeadlyUpgrade long term use will cause mental deterioration.]] It is a {{curse}}d piece of armor, after all.

* The Goku Uniforms in ''Anime/KillLaKill'' are all made using a special material called Life Fibers that grant the person wearing them enhanced [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman strength, speed, and durability,]] but it's the Kamui (often translated as "God Robes" in fan dubs) that really stand out. The majority of uniforms are woven with only a certain amount of fibers (A [[{{Mooks}} One Star ]] uniform is made up of 10% Life Fibers, a [[EliteMook Two Star]] with 20%, and [[EliteFour Three Stars]] are made with 30%), with more powerful uniforms having a higher percentage of fibers. Kamui are unique in that they are made ''entirely'' of Life Fibers (100%), and their powers are exponentially greater than the other uniforms. However, it comes with a cost of using the wearer's blood as fuel, and the wearer also has to have the willpower to maintain that power without overloading. One of the Kamui, Senketsu, is sentient and has a psychic link with the main protagonist. Kamui can transform all or parts of themselves into weapons, wings, claws, and even rockets to allow the wearer to fly. Give a Kamui too much blood, however, and the results are ''[[UnstoppableRage not]]'' [[HumanoidAbomination pretty.]]

* The title armor system in ''Anime/SenkiZesshouSymphogear'' varies in appearance by a combination of the user and the fragment of LostTechnology used to make it, and can evolve further with time (read: roughly once per season). Standard features include a MorphWeapon based on the relic's original form, the ability to grow weapons at will (a PowerFist, missile arrays, buzzsaw skirt, etc.), and the occasional super mode.

* During the Superior Iron Man run, Tony had a symbiote based armour. After ''ComicBook/SecretWars2015'', he switched to an armour that can morph but isn't, you know, kind of alive. And it can do pretty much everything all his old armours could do - even [[spoiler: Victor Von Doom]] was impressed.
* The Beta Suit in ''ComicBook/{{Echo}}'' cushions against g-forces, can emit deadly electrical attacks, cures diseases and can even re-write the DNA of its wearer. Unfortunately, as wonderful as it is, Julie [[ClingyCostume just can not get the darn thing off]]. Also, the DNA rewriting thing? [[spoiler: [[CloneByConversion Not so great when the suit is convinced the person wearing it is someone else]].]]

* ''Webcomic/{{Goblins}}'' has the Axe of Prissan, which was intended to be wielded by multiple wielders and designed to account for this by reshaping itself to suit their needs, and provides its wielder with a suit of armor with similar shapeshifting properties. Most of its wielders through its history have been paladins who wielded it as a two-handed greataxe and wore the armor as platemail, but there have been a few execptions; when it was wielded by a {{Golem}} the axe replaced one of its limbs as a BladeBelowTheShoulder and the armor fused to its body, while a wizard found that the axe took on a form similar to a quarterstaff and the armor took a form that [[ArmorAndMagicDontMix wouldn't interfere with his spellcasting]].

* The ''WesternAnimation/DangerMouse'' episode "Where There's a Well, There's a Way" has a suit of armour inside a wooden case that precipitates a knock knock joke when DM knocks on it.

Also, in a pinch it can [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience change appearance]] based on [[EvilCostumeSwitch the wearer's alignment]]. If there's more than one suit of Adaptive Armor or the wearer ever [[BroughtDownToNormal loses the armor]] or has it [[DePower forcibly separated]], anyone else who wears it will have a [[PaletteSwap similar but distinct look]], or it will be incensed that it's been stolen and work against its new "master."

* The Manga/{{Guyver}} units are this. They all share similar capabilities, but each one looks vastly different. Humans, who were created by {{Precursors}} as {{Living Weapon}}s, gain exponentially more power from the suit than the aliens themselves, as well as inexplicable immunity to their MindControl abilities. It is implied that a [[BishonenLine Zoalord]] who equipped a Guyver unit would have [[AGodAmI power approaching that of a god]]. Also consider that said Precursors, who were probably ''not'' a single species, created them primarily as space suits: i.e. they were developed to supply the physiological requirements of pretty much any nitrogen/oxygen breather without drawing on ''anything'' from the immediate environment. To a greater extent, the [[MetaMecha Guyver Gigantic]], which changes appearance to match the Guyver wearing it.

* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersDarkCybertron'' had Jhiaxus use one of these to mimic [[TheStarscream Starscream's]] new body, giving him all of the latter's abilities and a similar appearance. This was actually [[LampshadeHanging lampshading]] Jhiaxus having originally started as a recolored version of a Starscream toy. Unfortunately for Jhiaxus, he discovered that merely having the appearance and abilities of someone didn't automatically grant you their ''skills'', and Jhiaxus had spent the last few million years hidden away performing twisted science experiments while Starscream had served as a front-line soldier in the Cybertronian Civil War.

* In ''WesternAnimation/ThunderCats2011'', series SorcerousOverlord {{Lich}} Mumm-Ra uses {{Power Crystal}}s as {{Amplifier Artifact}}s to transform a gauntlet into a custom set of [[SkeletonsInTheCoatCloset skeletal armor]]. When young {{Catfolk}} [[TheHero hero]] Leo acquires a duplicate of the gauntlet and steals one of the crystals, his gauntlet transforms into golden lion armor. When his successor Lion-O acquires a crystal, it turns his claw gauntlet into full armor covering his entire left arm.

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* The Manga/{{Guyver}} units are this. They all share similar capabilities, but each one looks vastly different. Humans, who were created by {{Precursors}} as {{Living Weapon}}s, gain exponentially more power from the suit than the aliens themselves, as well as inexplicable immunity to their MindControl abilities. It is implied that a [[BishonenLine Zoalord]] who equipped a Guyver unit would have [[AGodAmI power approaching that of a god]].
** Also consider that said Precursors, who were probably ''not'' a single species, created them primarily as space suits: i.e. they were developed to supply the physiological requirements of pretty much any nitrogen/oxygen breather without drawing on ''anything'' from the immediate environment.
** To a greater extent, the [[MetaMecha Guyver Gigantic]], which changes appearance to match the Guyver wearing it.

* The Beta Suit in ''ComicBook/{{Echo}}'' cushions against g-forces, can emit deadly electrical attacks, cures diseases and can even re-write the DNA of its wearer. Unfortunately, as wonderful as it is, Julie [[ClingyCostume just can not get the darn thing off]].
** Also, the DNA rewriting thing? [[spoiler: [[CloneByConversion Not so great when the suit is convinced the person wearing it is someone else]].]]

* Commanda, an obscure villainess from ''Comicbook/UntoldTalesOfSpiderMan'', wears a suit of armor that can generate a force field, fire electric shocks, and change its shape and appearance at her will.

* ''Fanfic/{{Dial}}'': Using Jury Rigg and Upgrade's abilities, Dial develops Armor Gear, PoweredArmor made out of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claytronics catoms]] that can coordinate with X for assistance, can [[InstantArmor be compacted into clothing]] and [[SpontaneousWeaponCreation can adapt to form weapons and other devices]], like [[BladeBelowTheShoulder arm blades]], [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe tower shields]] or an agents' WeaponOfChoice. And since these are standard issue, they are usable by ''everyone'', from the baseline human agents to the Enhanced soldiers.

[[folder:Live-Action Film]]
* The symbiote that plays a large role in Film/SpiderMan3 has this effect, attaching first to Peter Parker's suit and providing him increased abilities, and also accentuating aspects of his personality. It later becomes detached from Parker and connects to his nemesis with similar effect.

[[folder:MultipleMedia]]

[[folder:Tabletop RPG]]
* In ''TabletopGame/{{Champions}}'' this would be done with a Variable Power Pool using the Focus (power suit) and No Conscious Control limitations.
* In TabletopGame/MutantsAndMasterminds' core setting ''TabletopGame/FreedomCity'', this trope is filled by the Star Knight Corps, combined {{Expy}}s of the [[Franchise/GreenLantern Green Lantern Corps]] and ComicBook/RomSpaceKnight.
* In the TabletopGame/{{Exalted}} supplement ''Shards of the Exalted Dream'' we are introduced to "Modern Alchemicals" which has the modularity and adaptability of the Alchemical Exalted and removes their utter dependence on infrastructure. In a way, all Exaltations qualify for this, save that they are less "armour" and more "omnitool".
[[/folder]]

* The Allies in ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert3'' field the [[TanksButNoTanks Multigunner IFV]], an adaptive ''jeep'' that would power up any infantry put inside (including the other factions). There was also a base defense version. Hilariously enough, a Multigunner Turret seen through the fog of war would appear to have ''all'' its possible addons, including several guns, a missile rack, a lightning gun, a freeze ray, a plasma beam, an energy bow, a ninja star launcher, and some kind of automatic repair arm.

[[folder:Webcomics]]

* The ''DangerMouse'' episode "Where There's A Well, There's A Way" has a suit of armour inside a wooden case that precipitates a knock knock joke when DM knocks on it.

* In TabletopGame/MutantsAndMasterminds' core setting ''TabletopGame/FreedomCity'', this trope is filled by the Star Knight Corps, combined Expys of the ComicBook/GreenLanternCorps and ComicBook/RomSpaceKnight

** This trend started with the earlier, bog-standard IFV of ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert2''. While lacking anything quite as awesome-sauce as a freeze ray, placing President Dugan in one certainly caused a [[FrickinLaserBeams fantastic light show...]]

[[folder:WebOriginal]]
* From the ''Roleplay/GlobalGuardiansPBEMUniverse'', Rainbow Knight's "PoweredArmor" is actually a piece of alien biotechnology that molded itself onto his body. Beyond some standard capabilities (like superhuman strength, [[NighInvulnerable invulnerability]], and [[IBelieveICanFly flight]]), the armor's capabilities [[SwissArmyWeapon change depending on the wearer's needs]].
* In ''Webcomic/QuentynQuinnSpaceRanger'', the Sapphire Star assassin had a suit of bio-armor (actually [[spoiler:a Gestaltian female]]) that among other things gave her extreme speed and strength, deployable wings, an (extra) [[BewareMyStingerTail venomous sting]], and ''very'' powerful [[FunctionalMagic lux abilities]]. Unfortunately, it wasn't properly tuned for her, so it also gave her a nearly fatal allergic reaction.
[[/folder]]

This isn't the case with Adaptive Armor. Whether it's a [[HeroicHost benevolent symbiotic entity]], a mystical suit of armor, or armor [[ClarkesThirdLaw so advanced it seems magical]], this suit of armor will adapt itself to [[OneSizeFitsAll any wearer]] in order to [[AmplifierArtifact enhance their greatest strengths]] and potentially [[MinMaxing minimize their weaknesses]], even going so far as to give the driver a form of PersonalityPowers based on their desires or talents.

* The symbiote that plays a large role in SpiderMan3 has this effect, attaching first to Peter Parker's suit and providing him increased abilities, and also accentuating aspects of his personality. It later becomes detached from Parker and connects to his nemesis with similar effect.

* The Goku Uniforms in ''Anime/KillLaKill'' are all made using a special material called Life Fibers that grant the person wearing them enhanced [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman strength, speed, and durability,]] but it's the Kamui (often translated as "God Robes" in fan dubs) that really stand out. The majority of uniforms are woven with only a certain amount of fibers (A [[{{Mooks}} One Star ]] uniform is made up of 10% Life Fibers, a [[EliteMook Two Star]] with 20%, and [[FiveBadBand Three Stars]] are made with 30%), with more powerful uniforms having a higher percentage of fibers. Kamui are unique in that they are made ''entirely'' of Life Fibers (100%), and their powers are exponentially greater than the other uniforms. However, it comes with a cost of using the wearer's blood as fuel, and the wearer also has to have the willpower to maintain that power without overloading. One of the Kamui, Senketsu, is sentient and has a psychic link with the main protagonist. Kamui can transform all or parts of themselves into weapons, wings, claws, and even rockets to allow the wearer to fly. Give a Kamui too much blood, however, and the results are ''[[UnstoppableRage not]]'' [[HumanoidAbomination pretty.]]

* ''Fanfic/Dial'': Using Jury Rigg and Upgrade's abilities, Dial develops Armor Gear, PoweredArmor made out of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claytronics catoms]] that can coordinate with X for assistance, can [[InstantArmor be compacted into clothing]] and [[SpontaneousWeaponCreation can adapt to form weapons and other devices]], like [[BladeBelowTheShoulder arm blades]], [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe tower shields]] or an agents' WeaponOfChoice. And since these are standard issue, they are usable by ''everyone'', from the baseline human agents to the Enhanced soldiers.

* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersDarkCybertron'' had Jhiaxus use one of these to mimic [[TheStarscream Starscream's]] new body, giving him all of the latter's abilities and a similar appearance.

->''"You have earned these masks and armor. Wear them well, for they are perhaps my greatest creation. Wherever you journey, they will adapt to your surroundings. No terrain, no climate, no wind or wave will ever be your master."''
-->-- ''{{Bionicle}}''

* ''VideoGame/{{Fallout 3}}'' and ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'' both had armor that could tell you when enemies were nearby and dispense drugs accordingly.
* In ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity'', Mr Freeze can reprogram his suit to avoid [[ItOnlyWorksOnce being hurt by the same attacks twice]], e.g., by setting his scanners to constantly watch his back after you attack him from behind, and altering his shields to resist Batman's explosive gel. His adaptations to other attacks are more the result of him just remembering how Batman hurt him and making sure he can't do it again, e.g., after you ambush him from a floor grate he will freeze over every one he comes across to make sure you're not hiding in it.

->''"You have earned these [[MaskOfPower masks]] and [[AdaptiveArmor armor]]. Wear them well, for they are perhaps my greatest creation. Wherever you journey, they will adapt to your surroundings. No terrain, no climate, no wind or wave will ever be your master."''

* The new ComicBook/BlueBeetle has such an armor.

* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersDarkCybertron'' had Jhiaxus use one of these to mimic Starscream's new body, giving him all of the latter's abilities and a similar appearance.

->''"Wherever you journey, they will adapt to your surroundings. No terrain, no climate, no wind or wave will ever be your master."''

-->-- [[spoiler:'''Artakha''']], ''{{Bionicle}}''